Got a new homeowner on your holiday list this year? Pick up something thoughtful to make their new house or condo feel like home – and to celebrate their big milestone!
Here’s a list of cute, helpful, fun, useful, comfy and generally awesome gifts, all made and/or sold locally...with all the links included. By shopping this list, you won’t just be getting your friend/family member/colleague a sweet new item for their new home, you’ll be supporting local business, too. Win-win!
New home holiday ornament. Mark the move with a memento they’ll keep forever. Tasseled Twine makes some really sweet ones.
Image credit: etsy.com/ca/shop/TasselledTwine
Personalized welcome mat. Nothing says “come on in” better than a mat that says, well…“come on in.” This little Etsy shop makes mats with welcome messages, names...or anything else you want to say.
Glassware. Whether it’s pretty stemware, vintage juice glasses, or hipster barware, every new homeowner can use some nice glasses. Check out the Cocktail Emporium on Queen for a go-to selection of barware, mojito muddlers, jiggers, strainers and other bar tools for home bartenders.
Image credit: instagram.com/cocktailemporium
A potted money tree. No, not a literal money tree (though wouldn’t that be nice with today’s home prices…) This resilient and pet-friendly plant is said to attract wealth and fortune. But even if it doesn’t, it’ll add freshness to any new space.
Image credit: dynastyplantshop.com
Charcuterie/cheese board. A wood or slate board is an appetizing canvas for meats, cheeses, and other yummy snacks: Muskoka Woodworking will even personalize one for you. Or if your new homeowner friends are crafty, you can give them a fun “make your own board” class at the Charcuterie Board Workshop instead. (Beer and wine included!)
A custom address stamp. Celebrate their brand new address with a stamp they can use on envelopes, luggage tags...and wherever else their hearts desire.
Image credit: prettyininkstamps.com
Kitchen towels. Everyone needs ‘em but they certainly don’t have to be boring. Scope out some tea towels and washcloths that add colour to the new kitchen. IQ Linens on Danforth has a fab selection of fun designs.
Pottery bowl. Can you ever really have enough bowls? Especially beautiful hand-thrown ones? They’re good for everything from serving food to storing fruit...or simply looking pretty on the shelf. An artisan-made piece makes a unique, useful gift. Check out this blue bowl from Toronto’s Stainsby Studios.
Image credit: https://stainsbystudios.com/
Cozy throws. Add a little warmth and softness to their new place with a comfy, colourful blanket they can grab when they’re reading, watching TV ‒ or settling in for a nap.
Caffeine-focused gifts. You can’t go wrong giving new homeowners their favourite gourmet coffees and teas...Balzac’s has those WFH coffee breaks covered, and there’s nothing quite like a lazy Sunday morning cup from Tealish.
Image credit: tealish.com
Decor mag subscription. Help them make their space more beautiful with design inspo that arrives in their mailbox every month.
Cool coasters. Show the Toronto love with this set that makes up a map of the city, or these unique subway-themed ones, both from spacingstore.ca.
Image credit: spacingstore.ca
A little relaxation. A little self-care is always in order after you’ve hauled all your stuff to a new home. Parkdale’s Common People has incense, candles, and bath oils to help you friends get their post-move zen on.
Fluffy towels. Who doesn’t love new towels? Toronto’s Au Lit Linens has a wide selection of thick and thirsty spa-style options that will have your new homeowners feeling pampered.
Image credit: aulitfinelinens.com
Books. Home maintenance. Cooking. Decorating. You’ll find all the reading material a new homeowner needs at Type, an indie bookstore that’s a hands-down local fave.
Awesome art. Add some local colour to their walls with these cool streetcar prints. They come unframed, but Victor Gallery on Queen can take care of that for you ‒ they have lots of affordable pre-made frames, and they’ll cut mats for you if you need them.
Image credit: etsy.com/ca/shop/KALartDesigns
Zero-waste gift box. For eco-minded homeowners, this gift from OlsenOlsen Design in Montreal is full of sustainable goodies like reusable food wrap, wool dryer balls and vegan dish soap.
Happy gift giving!
Need more ideas for gifts from local businesses? Check out this list of our favourite GTA spots.